Cinnamon glanced over at her boyfriend, Bart. She smiled at him. She noticed his grin widening. Nudging him playfully in the side. She giggled a bit. That look she knew it neither he was ready to go already or he was planning something. Or both. But his question confirmed more of the first.

"I just need a new sketchbook and quills." She said with a small grin. He is so adorable when he is impatient. She put her hand on her hip. "You're planning something, aren't you?"

Before he could answer she grabbed his hand and took to a corner. "What is it?" Because if it was anything good she could totally be down with in. She beamed.

Jun nodded. He had learned the spell his healer used on his ankle that day. He even gave him a cheat sheet. Bless him. "It's not like I do it on purpose. I'm already used to getting hurt all the time so I don't find it a big deal with my ankle sprained," Except the pain, though he had a high pain tolerance. No need to worry about him too much. Or in general.

Jun knew why but decided not to say anything about it. The moods might come back. Anyway. He stuck out his right hand and pulled his sleeve up a bit to reveal the bracelet. Jun remembers eyeing the piece of jewelry when he opened the box on Christmas morning. "Grandma said it was for luck or something," He shrugged. He didn't really ask since the woman traveled to China the next day.

Right, because most things just didn't seem to be a big deal to him, which kind of always amazed her. How could he just not even care about his ankle or anything when she worried about it fairly often? Not that it was always on her mind, but when he ever mentioned anything about having to practice, her automatic thought was his ankle and whether or not he'd be overworking himself. Granted, when it came to her wanting to do things (before, when they didn't have issues), she'd always forget about his ankle and would want to jump on trampolines and whatnot..but she worried all of the other times! "I know, you'll be fine. Worrying is just an automatic response." If she could help it, she would.

Charlotte reached out a hand to touch the bracelet, assuming it'd be fine with him if she did? He never had a problem with it before so surely, since they were working things out, it'd be fine now? Not like Jun would ever be the type to make her keep from touching him or anything.

"Well....it's kind of random, and not the blue hoodie, but it's still really nice." She smiled up at him and moved her hand back down to her side. "I guess grandma knows best?" Char didn't really believe in good luck charms but if Grandma Kim said so, then she said so.

An automatic response? After that whole seen they went through and stopped talking to each other, she still cared? Jun just nodded, knowing that if he actually said something, they'll stop talking again. He didn't want that. He missed having her as a best friend. Though Jun will always blame himself for what happened. He was the one with the disorder, not her. But maybe she was just saying that?

"She knows about the program and how my cousin, Kai and I have worked hard to get into it. So I guess she wanted us to have a little luck to even be considered for a group," And there were rumours going around. Kai had owled Kataro and him about them, but didn't say much. Though said he'd keep his ear open for more news. "Sometimes. She's just really protective about her grandchildren more than her own kids," Jun laughed. "Strange lady, she is,"

Sketchbook and quills got it. He nodded and looked around for the items. She was good at the sketches so no surprise that she needed a new book. "Whatcha planning on sketching?" He glanced over at her again, but looked at her more fully when he saw the hand on the hip. What he do now? He knew the hand on the hip by a chick was never a good thing.

"Me?" He tried to look innocent, but his grin gave him away. Though he wasn't able to answer, because she had him by the hand. When she turned and questioned he looked around. Leaning closer he said softer. "I have some dungbombs I was thinking about trying out in here." Yep totally going to do it now.

Simon nodded and reached into his bag to grab a notebook when he realized that Mordred was not a Professor. Yes, it would have been quite odd for a stranger to see a young adult giving a lesson to a thirteen year old in a Hogsmeade shop of all places. Though truth be told, Simon wouldn't care too much as he would be learning all these awesome things about dragons that the Professors hadn't taught them yet at Hogwarts. He blinked, trying to make a mental note of everything Mordred was saying.

He blinked when Mordred answered his question about specializations. Gee. That sure made sense. why hadn't he thought that before? He dismissed the thought and kept up with listening to Mordred. His eyes widened when Mordred said 'Rider'. Being a dragon rider would've been awesome. "And what is your specialization?" he asked. He had remembered Ethan had talked about it, but he couldn't remember specifically what Mordred did.

Now when Mordred asked Simon a question about what he had researched, he was speechless for a bit. He counted on his fingers. Four. He had researched about four in depth. "Well I've done some research into Catalonian Fireball and Portuguese Long-Snout. However, they've both been extinct for a while so I wouldn't be able to work with them. I've researched about Hungarian Horntails and Romanian Longhorns." Simon paused. Despite all of these breeds, he was interested in finding more about the frost dragon. "I've tried to do some more research about frost dragons but couldn't find much in the Hogwarts' libraries." He frowned. He had failed in that aspect.

Out of habit, Mordred watched as Simon reached for his bag. Was he…going to show him something? The young man shifted his gaze outside to check if Ethan was there. Nope. Looks like the kid really did pass out. Hogwarts is a huge school with a lot of passageways, and the fact that the stairs there kept on moving, thus making Ethan’s tread time to double…or even triple. That is if he doesn’t know the secret corridors and portals.

Mordred gazed back to the young fellow when he asked him about his specialization. “I haven’t chosen yet. Or enrolled in that class formally. I’m planning to become a Tamer though.” Because that’s what he has been doing at the Russian Local Reserve. “It will require a lot of research, wand work, and physical exercise.” They will be the ones needed if Riders want access to dragons and such. Nothing’s cooler than being the bridge between beast and human, no?

The former Slytherin nodded and gestured Simon towards the stairs of the shop. Mordred sat on the third step and gestured the young boy to do the same. “Extinct, huh? I don’t believe that.” Well, the books may say so, but nothing beats experience. “You see, people can claim that, but that shouldn’t stop you from researching or studying them. If you ever find a good Tracker for you, then you just might discover that those dragons aren’t extinct.” Mordred paused and gave the boy a moment to let that sink in. “Books are good for information, but it is up to you if you want to prove it wrong, or accept whatever’s written on it.” Define defiance.

And Frost Dragons.

Mordred grinned at Simon and leaned closer to him. “I s’pose my cousin told you about Rugarth? The Frost Dragon I helped to migrate to the North Pole recently?” Well, lucky day for that young Slytherin boy. “What do you want to know about it?” Simon seems to be a bright kid, and Mordred was up to the task of giving him information. And if Ethan trusts this child, then it was good enough for the young man.

"A tamer?" he repeated. Sweet! "That sounds fun. Research and a lot of work are right up my alley. Plus, I imagine that you'd get to be with the dragons for a couple hours a day." The physical exercise could always be improved upon. Simon didn't like to play sports, such as basketball or football. Those were his brother's sports. Simon enjoyed running and swimming and chess. All brilliant sports in his mind.

Then Mordred took a seat by the stairs and motioned for Simon to join him. Good idea. They would get out of the way so that the customers could easily get by them and get to the cashier without them clogging up the aisle. Taking a seat beside his friend's cousin, he continued to listen. He nodded, indicating that he was following Mordred in his train of thought. His blue eyes brightened up at the mention of a Tracker being able to find an extinct dragon. Really? he thought. Simon had always be one to stick by the books and rules. He hadn't really questioned the information offered in the books. Perhaps he ought to do that more often now and apply this piece of information to all aspects of his learning? It seemed like a good idea. "Right.. I never thought of to questioning the information that I have read in textbooks. My Professors at my old school frowned upon it, but it seems like something that I should do more often."

Simon beamed at the mention of frost dragons. He lowered his voice just in case this was super top secret information. "Yes, Ethan's mentioned him," he said, nodding excitedly. Oh yes, Ethan had mentioned Rugarth a couple of times or so. That was one of the first conversations that he had ever had with Ethan up in the treehouse. He was glad that he had run into him and glad to have become friends. His jaw dropped slightly when Mordred told him that he could ask him any question about the frost dragons.

But....

Where could he start with the questions!??! He had so many and he didn't wish to annoy Ethan's cousin. Mordred had gone from being just Ethan's cool cousin to being Ethan's amazing cousin in Simon's eyes in a matter of minutes. "Uh everything?" said Simon before realizing that was too general of a question. "I mean... how do you help a dragon migrate exactly? Doesn't a dragon like to do that with minimal human interaction?"

That sounded so nice. Having a grandmother that cared that much. Charlotte's grandmothers weren't around anymore but no one in her family believed in luck so even if they were around, she highly doubted either of them would have done anything as nice as Jun's grandma. Plus, the Stylinsons weren't exactly an extremely lovey dovey family and, from the way Char assumed things would be, she'd probably get a pat on the back for doing anything good...and then bought something because that was also something the Stylinsons did. If the money existed, might as well use it.

"Your grandmother sounds really nice and the bracelet is nice too..and fitting." Jun didn't look weird with it on like she figured most boys would. She knew that neither of her brothers could ever pull off a bracelet like that so Jun hadn't gotten lucky with a nice bracelet, apparently. "Wait..really? So she doesn't worry as much about her kids?" Charlotte actually found that odd and interesting. Maybe his grandmother didn't care as much because her kids were adults where as her grandchildren were still children. Either way, it was kind of weird.

Mordred nodded and basked in Simon’s enthusiasm. Being a Tamer…or a Keeper is hard work, but since it keeps the older guy on his toes, he’s definitely cool with it. “Good then. Being a Rider requires research too. You have to know what you’re doing.” It’s rare that one can ride a full grown dragon, but there were smaller species that allow wizards or witches to have that kind of access.

“No offence if you’re a Ravenclaw, kid. But you ought to question books at some point. Remember that not all authors are telling the truth.” Piece of advice right there. “It does apply to the study of dragons, if I may add. You see, Dragonology would require you to have extensive Fieldwork. On that note, dragonologists get the chance to take note of different dragon interactions and behaviors. Some of them are not even recorded on books.” Why? “Look at the authors of the books you’re reading, Simon. Are they still alive to record such events? Do you think that dragons are constant? Or do they change too as years pass by?” Mordred shifted his gaze from the floor to the eager young boy.

Mordred chuckled and shook his head. Ethan. He just won’t stop talking, yes?

The young man nodded in response, totally getting what Simon’s question is. “Some dragons don’t mind, some do. As for Rugarth, he’s somewhere in between.” Talk about a dragon having trust issues. “Researchers are still studying him as to who was the first to have handled him. It seems that his first handler had a strong bond with Rugarth, and as millennia passed by the dragon has held on to him…or her.” So…what is exactly his point? “Wizards before me who spent time with Rugarth said that the dragon didn’t mind company, which makes his migration dangerous.” Mordred shifted and looked at the ceiling. “There are also dragon hunters out there, and they know when and where dragons migrate. If they are unaccompanied, these hunters will hunt the dragon down and use its body parts for profit.” Really, Simon should be taking down notes. “The point is, we’re merely escorting him to safety. Make sure that he doesn’t get hunted, and that his migration is kept secret and veiled from Muggles…and Hunters alike.” Did that answer the young kid’s question? Mordred looked back at Simon. “Anything else?” If Simon wanted to know everything, then he should just send him his Term Paper for the young boy to read.

Jun nodded. Somehow his grandmother had a way of finding things that fit well with people. Whether it was clothes, jewelry, or home decor. That why he thought she was weird sometimes. She could easily read people. Thankfully she hadn't gotten him a gold one. Then Jun would most likely not wear it. It would've just stayed in the box it came in. "It's not she doesn't care about them. She figures they're old enough to not need as much guidance as the youngsters," Sure, she'd give her three kids advice as all but she let them do whatever they wanted with that advice. Part of being an 'adult' and all.

Anything that had to do with dragons seemed as if it required a lot of research. Simon smiled. Research was one of his many sports that he practiced. He loved to find or create answers to unsolvable problems. It was exciting.

Simon shook his head. He was certainly not a Ravenclaw, but he easily could have fit into that house too. He remembered that the Sorting Hat had struggled to find a place for him. The hat had told him that he would benefit in either place at first, but once it heard Simon's inner thoughts about finding a way to cure his mother's memory loss, the hat changed its mind and placed Simon in Slytherin. And so far Simon had prospered. "Surprisingly, I'm not a Ravenclaw. I'm a Slytherin," he explained with a grin. He nodded. "Right. It's like in history how the victor of a battle always writes the text that ends up in the textbook that students study hundreds of years later." Simon paused and took a moment to really think about Mordred's question. It was natural for things to evolve over time. "Dragons have changed over time. They've evolved or adapted to further increase their chance of survival." And that was taken right out of Darwin's Origin of Species except not word for word. Or about dragons because Darwin didn't write about dragons unfortunately.

Did dragons have personalities too? He was sure that perhaps they did, but once hearing Mordred's next words on it, he was sure of it. He paused, frowning when he heard Rugarth had trouble with letting go of his first handler. "Poor thing. I'm assuming that his first handler watched him grow from a young adult dragon into an adult one. It sounds as if the handler almost raised him," he said, trying to understand how the dragon might've been feeling. At the mention of hunters, Simon's brow furrowed. It reminded him of the elephant hunting trade that he had read about in his brother's world history textbook a couple of years ago. "You'd think that Ministry would do something about it. Do they have an protective measures for protecting migrating dragons? Any law framework that would arrest the hunters?" If not, then Simon thought it would be rather interesting to fight the battle to get a law about protecting dragons. It was important to him. Very important. "Sounds like you would have to use a lot of Memory Charms."

Anything else?

THERE WAS SO MUCH SIMON WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT!!! As he paused, he remembered that Ethan was supposed to be meeting them up soon. Where was Ethan? he thought. Had his friend gone back to sleep after grunting? Perhaps so. Or had he run into Josie in Hogsmeade? Who knew! "I have so many questions... I just don't know where to start. What's your favourite part about working with Rugarth?" he asked.

Although now looking around she realized that she also needed some ink. But she could just grab a ink bottle as she passed the aisle. Cinnamon shrugged "I don't know yet." She really hadn't planned that far ahead. It seem like she's sketched everything already. "Maybe some of the care of magical creature animals." Or maybe him if he would let her.

"Yes, you. Who else would I be talking to?" She giggled. Look at him trying to look so innocent. She wasn't falling for it though. He had a plan and she wanted in on it. Her eyes widen as he leaned in closer to her. Oh well hello there. She couldn't help but grin. She kind of wanted to kiss him in congratulations of his brilliance. She could totally do that now he was her boyfriend. She covered her mouth with her hands to silence her growing giggles. She leaned in closer herself "I can cause a distraction while you set it off."

The Sorting Hat does seem to be doing…weird things lately.

Mordred could swear that the kid beside him is a Ravenclaw, but it did not prevent him from grinning proudly upon hearing that he is a Slytherin. “I am actually surprised,” He said. “But Slytherin’s just the right house to make your good brain the best.” That, Mordred was sure of. Who knows? This kid just might topple him from being the Dragon Lord in the future. If only Simon could find the gusto and the determination to get what he wants, then he just might. Either way, he’ll be a great addition to Slytherin’s history, no?

Books can are proven helpful. It gives you a base…or a foundation as to where you should start your research. “…yes, but how true are the stories?” It is not a question, but a thought that Mordred wishes to plant in Simon’s mind. “Don’t be afraid to question facts, Simon. You’ll be surprised with the outcome.” He said as he gently patted the boy’s shoulder. “That can be true. But I must say that there are dragons that remain constant. That’s where Research comes into play.” Mordred might be contradicting his words, but in the discipline, he found out that the subject has two sides. “Remember, in Dragonology, you work with a Team. You cannot work without the other specialist even if you are equipped with their knowledge.” Now this was his first mistake. He thought he could do everything on his own, until his own Dragonology professor pointed this out. “Slytherins tend to outcast themselves because one; they know they are better than the others, and two; self-pride.” A pause. “Except for Ethan. That kid is…well, my point is, I do hope you broaden your friends in school. Keep the network expanding.” Hold on, why is he telling the same thing he told Ethan before? Hmm. Maybe there’s some sort of former/current Slytherin brotherhood going on, yeah?

“Good theory, Simon. Now you think like a dragonologist.” An approving nod was given and he continued. “History must be taken into account, and the Researchers back in the Reserve think the same. During the ancient time of Merlin, there were no Keepers, or Riders. There were Druids who first discovered the existence of dragon eggs, and what those eggs become.” He paused as he tried to remember that one lecture he had with Professor Ivanov. “According to my professor, they were the first breeders and handlers of dragons. Most probably, Rugarth’s handler was a druid and that he was hatched and raised by this same person.” Interesting, no?

Now onto the more…political side of things? Yes. “I believe escorting migrating dragons is one of the responsibilities of the Reserves, Simon. Dragonologists from Herbrides in Scotland, Caucasus Mountains in Russia, Romania, Wales, Sweden, and even in Australia gather in their local Reserves to learn, observe, conserve, and protect the dragons from muggles and the Draconis Extinctors or dragon hunters.” A pause. If only he could write this all down for a report, he’d very much appreciate it. “The Ministry is there as the main contacting body, and they forbid wizards and witches trading and selling dragon eggs for profit.” And honestly, the Ministry could impose more strict laws if possible. “As for the hunters, killing dragons or any being is against human nature, therefore it is illegal in itself. That’s where Keepers and Riders come into play.” Can he see the pattern now? “If there are hunters, the Keepers and Riders let the dragon fly on its own and intercept the hunters. I did mention earlier that physical strength and wand work is important, yes? You’ll be needing those for the skirmish, just in case the Extinctors are persistent.” And most of the time they are. “And yes, lots of Memory Charms when the battle gets really nasty.” People in weird clothing don’t just fall out of the sky, no? That’ll be very weird for the Muggles.

Now…the best part? That is a hard question. “I love it when he stays in the Caucasus Mountains in Russia. I like to see him fly and sniff around…trees.” Dragons do that…well, Rugarth does anyway. Mordred casually checked his watch and frowned. Where in Rugarth’s armpits is Ethan? “Well, Simon, if you’re not so sure about your next question, maybe I can show you how Rugarth looks like as a young dragon, while I wake Ethan up.” Mordred got his ebony wand out from his arm and casted his Patronus non-verbally. “My Patronus got better when I finally met Rugarth. It just looks like him in younger form.” He said as he watched a puff of smoke transform into a young Frost Dragon whose height was up until Simon’s waist as it glided across the store, then tumbled on Mordred’s feet. The former Slytherin leaned closer to it and gave his messenger the message. “Ethan…WAKE.UP!”

Well of course it wasn't that she didn't care, Char totally understood that. She just didn't really understand how a grandmother cared less..or worried less. Charlotte was pretty sure that if she was ever a mother and then a grandmother, she'd just keep worrying the same amount the entire time until she died. Surely, she'd have a full head of grey hair by the time she reached forty-five. "I suppose that makes sense..I guess I just worry too much." Mhmm. And at least she knew it. Problem was, she didn't know how to stop worrying so much. There wasn't an on and off button so she'd just quietly sit back and worry about people, like Jun for example, and not butt in unless 100% necessary. It would be a trial and error kind of thing.

Moving down the aisle, she picked up black ink and then went over to find a nice parchment she could buy. While looking, she thought about different things and decided to try and talk about something she always made sure to stay away from. If she was going to try being a good friend, since she clearly wasn't one before, she'd have to talk about it eventually anyway. Searching intently for the perfect parchment, she said, "So..um...how's Lex?" This would be weird. Very weird...for her, at least.

Simon was glad that he could surprise someone as awesome as Mordred because he felt as if Mordred wasn't a guy who was taken by surprise too often. He grinned and nodded. "That's what the Sorting Hat told me!" he said.

He paused, thinking of Mordred's question. Simon let it sink in. Yes, stories weren't too accurate all the time. Research does come in handy, but he had to learn how to be a team player. He nodded. "I've noticed that since coming to Hogwarts. Almost all the classes that I've been in have been centered about partnering up with people." Yes, he had teamed up with a Gryffindor boy in Charms class and the two had started to become friends. Yay! Friends were good. "That's a good idea. I'll work on that. I promise," he said as he agreed with Mordred. Yep, broaden your network as they will be more useful to you later in life. All sound advice.

Simon enjoyed the compliment that Mordred offered him. He beamed and continued listening. "I feel as if I should be taking notes," explained he as he reached into his backpack and pulled out a notebook and a pen. He opened it up and scribbled down a couple of major points. Yep, Simon was basically getting a lesson in dragonology today. SWEET! he thought.

He paused and continued taking notes. Dragon Hunters. Illegal. Yep, yep, yep. He took a moment to reread and then saw a slight pattern emerging. His eyes widened. "Oh, I kinda get how the system works. It makes sense." He nodded in response to Mordred's question, making sure that he would keep up with physical exercise and whatnot. "That's good. It must be pretty tough though. The Ilfracombe Incident back in 1932 showed that," he explained, remembering the topic that he'd read last night in History Of Magic.

Simon's eyes widened when he saw Mordred's patronus. WOAH. THAT WAS SUCH AN AWESOME PATRONUS. It was so cool. "That's incredible!" he said. Apart from that, Simon was speechless for the most part. He just stared in awe at the frost dragon patronus. He couldn't wait to find out what his patronus would be one day.

Of course she wouldn't be talking to anyone else and Bart's grin turned from innocent to mischievous as he talked about his idea. It was good that Cinnamon didn't mid his fun side, because if she would be the one telling on him or telling he couldn't this would not be working out. He wondered if Abbi would go along with his plans as easily as Cinnna did.

Not noticing how incredibly close they were until she leaned in further, Bart's eyes widened and he got nervous about the closeness and stood up straighter looking around not to be all awkward and played if off as if he was checking the area. Though his brain was going a mile a minute and he realized he was dating Cinna now and if he wanted her to keep going on with his plans he'd have to act like a boyfriend, however they really acted.

Leaning back in he gave her a little kiss, "That's awesome!" She was going to help. Yep kiss was totally worth it. His eyes moved around again, "Get your stuff first so you have it and then we can do this." No sense of her not buying her items first.

"It's normal to worry. Some people don't really worry at all," Jun knew someone like that. And though they wouldn't say 'worry', that person would just try to use another word but it never came to mind. Did that make sense? Not really, but the boy never really questioned as to why said person never worried. It was weird, but oh well. Jun glided through another aisle, looking for red ink. Could be useful for when he got low marks on his homework and exams.. HA. As if it'll really happen. He just just found the ink and was reaching for him when he heard Char's question. Why in the world was she even asking that? She never asked about Lex when they were on good terms. She didn't like the topic.

"Um, she's fine. We were going through some stuff during break but it's good now," For the most part at least? They both just had a weird break.

With a wand in one hand, a cat sprawled on a shoulder and another cat trying to get on the other shoulder, Edina padded around waving her wand while muttering under her breath spells that immediately cleaned and rearranged the shelves. Newest items needed to be right at the front where the eyes of the Hogwarts' students would spot them RIGHT away. Her kittens could use a toy or two, which was why she hoped to trap attract the kids when it was time for their weekend here. She was absolutely ready and apparently so were her cats that lingered at the entrance and purrrred at anyone who entered or passed by.